Dublin Castle, Dublin

Dublin Castle is a historic castle complex that now serves Ireland as a government centre, conference venue, and visitor attraction. The buildings around you belong largely to a palace rebuilt after severe fire damage in 1684, replacing much of the earlier fortress with Georgian architecture. Yet the site reaches back to 1204, when King John ordered a stronghold here for defending Dublin, administering justice, and safeguarding royal treasure.

Its position beside the former Dubh Linn, the dark pool that gave Dublin its name, also connected the castle with the River Poddle and the wider River Liffey; the Poddle now passes beneath the complex. Look for the Record Tower, the only medieval tower of the original fortification still rising above ground. The castle has served as an official residence, administrative headquarters, military base, and temporary court complex.

In 1921, authority over it passed ceremonially to Michael Collins and the new Provisional Government. Since 1938, the State Apartments have hosted the inauguration of every President of Ireland. The complex also preserves a remarkable escape: in 1592, Red Hugh O'Donnell and the O'Neill brothers broke out of custody, beginning a winter flight during which Art O'Neill died from exposure.